China Launches Shenzhou-21 with First Mammals to Space Station

China successfully launched its Shenzhou-21 spacecraft on March 15, 2024, transporting a three-person crew to the Tiangong space station. This mission is significant not only for its scientific research objectives but also because it marks the first time live mammals have been included in a Chinese space mission. The launch took place at 11:00 UTC from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, with the crew expected to stay aboard the space station for approximately six months.

The crew consists of Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang. This mission will replace the crew from the previous Shenzhou-20 flight, who have been aboard since their launch on April 24, 2023. The exact return date for the Shenzhou-20 crew has not been disclosed. Among the new taikonauts, Wu Fei, born in 1993, becomes the youngest astronaut ever sent into space by China. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I feel incomparably lucky… Being able to integrate my personal dreams into the glorious journey of China’s space program is the greatest fortune this era has bestowed upon me.”

Scientific Research and Live Mammals

The primary focus of the Shenzhou-21 mission is scientific research, with the crew scheduled to conduct 27 projects across various fields. These include space life sciences, biotechnology, space medicine, and microgravity fluid physics, as detailed by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Notably, this mission carries four live mice—two females and two males—the first mammals ever sent into space by China. Previous missions had only included live fish. The research aims to explore the effects of microgravity on the behavior of these mammals in a confined environment.

The commander of the crew, Zhang Lu, previously participated in the Shenzhou-15 mission, while the other two members are making their debut in spaceflight. The mission underlines China’s ambitions to enhance its capabilities in space exploration, particularly in the realm of biological and health sciences.

China’s Expanding Space Program

China’s space program has considerably advanced since being excluded from the International Space Station project, primarily due to concerns from the United States regarding military control over its operations. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made significant strides in achieving its “space dream,” which includes plans to establish a permanent human presence on the moon by 2030.

The CMSA has indicated plans to welcome international collaboration, including agreements with other countries. Following a cooperation agreement signed in February 2024, China is preparing to train a Pakistani national for a short-term mission to the Tiangong space station. This initiative reflects China’s commitment to expanding its role in international space exploration.

In recent years, China has achieved notable milestones, including landing unmanned probes on the moon. The most recent probe collected samples from the far side, marking a significant achievement in lunar exploration.

Zhang Jingbo, a spokesperson for the CMSA, emphasized the progress of China’s lunar ambitions, stating, “Overall, the research and construction has been running smoothly, with China aiming to achieve the goal of landing Chinese astronauts on the moon before 2030.” This ambitious target underscores China’s determination to be a leading force in space exploration as it continues to develop its capabilities.

As the Shenzhou-21 mission unfolds, it represents not only a continuation of China’s space aspirations but also a potential shift towards greater international collaboration in the field of space exploration.